Goes sideways in highway bumps, Help!

[zenit27]

I have a 97 with a 3.2 V6 and stick shift. When there is a bump in a highway curve, the rear feels like it's going to go to the side. Please help with possible diagnosis.

I already changed the shocks for Monroe Sensatrac with very little improvement.

[Cat Fuzz]

Tires underinflated?

[zenit27]

Originally Posted by Cat Fuzz

Tires underinflated?

I check the tire pressure religously each time that I fill the gas tank. The tires the originals but the inflation is rigth. Could the tires cause this even if they are inflated properly.

Can someone tell me what is the sway bar, and if it is a possible cause.

[Cat Fuzz]

A sway bar is what keeps the vehicle from leaning too far to one side while turning.

I tend to think that you don't have a problem here unless its something that has recently started happening.

The only thing I can think of would be to check out your rear springs, make sure they are securely attached and any bushings are still intact.

[rodeo02]

Any rear wheel drive or 4x4 truck i've ever owned would hop sideways over a bump on a curve. That's the nature of a solid rear axle on a truck that's light in the rear.
G/luck
Joel

[megavolt121]

Try putting some weights/sandbags/rice bags in your trunk and see if that helps. If it does, you can always go out and buy a piece of really thick sheet metal that weighs the same amount and put it in your trunk

[ogfooman]

There are several things that can affect tracking like you describe. Tire pressure has been covered. I'm assuming you have quite a few miles, because it's a 97 (I have the same truck BTW). For the rear end, the rubber shackle bushings tend to wear out and let the axle move around alot. Replace them with polyurethane or stock rubber. Another thing to check is the wheel bearings. With the weight of the vehicle off the rear tires, push and pull the tire hard. There should be no movement. If there is, replace the bearings.
While you are at it, you might want to check the front end as well. There are lots of bushings and stuff there to wear out, as well as more bearings. All of this will cause wandering.

[dannyd74]

This is normal for the Rodeo. If you read other posts, you'll see that this is how they behave. It can be a little unnerving...
I too changed my shocks, and saw very little improvement. I saw the most improvement when I changed tires. I had some cheap Pathfinders, but recently purchased the Good Year Forteras w/ Silent Armor. They made a big difference in ride quality. It's much quieter, the bouncing in turns has diminished, and the overall ride is much smoother.

[hazegrey]

I also just got new tires and there is definitely a big difference in how much sway there is. Mine are Firestone Firehawk Indy 500's. If you have some el-cheapo tires or tires that have more than 45K on them might be a clue as to what is going on.